Any upgrade advice gratefully received

[Diamond Joe]

I plan to replace all my current system (see below), but one component at a time, given that they're all in perfect working order at the moment, which item would you replace first?

I've already asked my local dealer, and he suggested the speakers, I fancy changing the amp (I know what Drummerman thinks of the 8000A already, lol!!), but I'm interested to hear what you guys think, thanks a lot.

 

[JohnnyC]

It's down to personal preference really. I bought most of my kit off ebay and other sites, so when I found a good deal and it fitted the criteria, I snapped it up.

If you're buying new, then the amp is usually the cornerstone of a good system so I would look at this first. But again, it all depends on how much you want to spend and what you are trying to achieve. It's better to test equipment before you buy, so you'll get a good idea how it will sound etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[drummerman]

To upgrade your speakers significantly you have to spend money. Older epos'es are a bit a love/hate thing not unlike linn kan's but I remember one guy that came to the shop, trading them in for a rather expensive pair of speakers he fancied. The shop sold the epos'es within a few days. He came back a couple of weeks later asking whether he could reverse the purchase. I have heard them sound great with myryad and Naim. I'd say an upgrade to your speakers would be Epos 12.2 old or new or Rega R3 depending what you like and a sensible amplifier choice perhaps Rega's Brio, Creek EVO or if you can stretch a bit further, Myryads Z140.

 

[Anonymous]

Are you looking to keep the same type of sound and just sweeten it with better kit? Or change up completely...

I totally agree the speakers must come first, but what's the budget here?

 

[Anonymous]

try a dac, I did and love what its done, its like buying a new complete system!

 

[Diamond Joe]

Thanks for the advice everyone, it looks like changing the speakers first could be a wise

move (closely followed by an amp?), although I haven't made my mind up yet, there are so many

fantastic speakers on the market these days, it's going to be a tough job making my choice,

but that's part of the enjoyment of buying hi-fi isn't it?

I'm looking to improve the level of detail, I've been thinking for some time that perhaps my

system was hiding something from me, I wouldn't go so far as to say that the midrange is

muddled, but I would like some improvement. I've been borrowing a pair of original AE1s

recently which do reveal a bit more detail than my ES11s, and it was this that sparked my

interest in upgrading.

I was interested to see what drummerman had to say about the fella who sold his Eposes then

regretted it, I'd better choose carefully, or even take them along to compare at auditions.

Incidently, I heard a Myryad amp a couple of years back, sounded fab, they seem to be a bit

underrated for some reason, which beats me.

I'd also be intrigued to hear what an external DAC can do for me, I've never considered

adding one of these but it could extend the life of my (rather elderly) Arcam, any idea how

much it would cost for a worthwhile upgrade? I don't think I've ever seen any advertised.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I would also be aware of the "shiny" factor, and I think something that Drummerman hit upon. A pair of speakers can sound impressive in a dem room (even when compared with your normal speakers), but then sound inferior once you get used to them. I'm not saying don't dem them, in fact completely the opposite, but just keep this in mind when listening, and you shouldn't go far wrong...

As for the DAC, try a Beresford for around £100. Just google beresford, and you'll find them. Stanley Beresford sells them direct from his website, and from what I've heard offers sterling customer service...

 

[Lugs]

The music (or detail) that is missing is lack of delivery to your speakers. Go and buy a 2nd hand pair of chord signature speaker cables. Best thing i've ever bought.